Special Envoy To Visit Central America

June 11, 1988|By George de Lama, Chicago Tribune.

WASHINGTON — The Reagan administration, weighing its next move in Nicaragua, plans to dispatch top arms-control negotiator Max Kampelman to Central America this weekend to consult with allies in the region.

A top-level debate is raging in the administration over whether to seek renewed funding for the contras, said administration sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The contra-aid issue is sure to prove even more controversial in an election year, and some senior administration officials are pessimistic that President Reagan can get congressional approval for further assistance.

Some administration officials, noting public opinion polls that show most Americans oppose contra aid, have privately expressed fear that a prolonged debate on Capitol Hill could hurt Vice President George Bush`s presidential campaign.

But Reagan is under intense pressure from conservatives on Capitol Hill and within his administration to seek more money for the rebels and not to abandon their cause, the sources said. White House spokesman Marlin Fitzwater acknowledged Friday that a new campaign for contra aid may soon pick up steam in Congress. The administration has made no decision on whether to seek renewed funding for the rebels, he said.

Kampelman, who has no experience in the region, is being sent to Central America because he is respected by members of Congress and his findings may carry some weight on Capitol Hill, the sources said.

Kampelman is to leave Sunday on a brief trip to meet with leaders of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Costa Rica. He is not scheduled to travel to Nicaragua or Panama, nor does he intend to conduct any negotiations, the sources said.

The White House on Friday blamed the Sandinista regime for the collapse of the latest round of peace talks, which ended with no agreement for further talks but with promises by both sides that they would not resume fighting.

``It is clear that the lack of progress is due to Sandinista intransigence over democratic reform,`` Fitzwater said.

The spokesman said the administration welcomed the interest shown by both sides in extending the current cease-fire, and expressed hope a permanent resolution can be reached without further bloodshed.

``We continue to examine the situation and reach no decisions or conclusions at this time,`` Fitzwater said.